Saint John Paul II names Soares as baseball coach

St. John Paul II High School has named Ryan Soares as its head varsity baseball coach, effective immediately.

Soares succeeds Mark Santos, who coached the Lions from 2010-2017 and remains as the school’s athletic director.

“Coach Soares brings excellent experience and commitment to Lions baseball. He is knowledgeable in all facets of the game and will build upon the foundation that JPII student-athletes have created, ” said Santos.

Soares earned Massachusetts High School Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2006. In 2010 he was named the George Mason University Student-Athlete of the Year, the CAA Player of the Year, the ECAC Player of the Year, and the Virginia Player of the Year. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers and played professionally until 2015.

Soares now serves as owner/director of Soares Elite Baseball & Sports Performance located in Dennis. He lives in Dennis.

“It is a privilege to succeed Coach Santos and continue the incredible success that the program has enjoyed," Soares said. "The boys and I will work hard in everything we do."

“I am impressed by Coach Soares’ maturity and demeanor as he assumed this new responsibility. He knows that success is a by-product of doing things the right way and I look forward to an exciting new chapter in Lions baseball under his leadership,” said Christopher W. Keavy, Head of School.

Since 2010, the Lions have posted a record of 148-23 in seven varsity seasons. The team captured MIAA Division IV State Championships in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Additionally, the program has earned six Cape & Islands League titles (2012-2017). Twenty-one student-athletes have gone on to play collegiate baseball over seven seasons.

Hyannis’ St. John Paul II High School & St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School form one united, Catholic school serving students in Grades 5-12.